The speaker first imagines what old age will be like. Old women remember old roofs and long-gone springs; old men remember wars and journeys; both remember first love. Yet that ending seems too poor to her—just dark water and a candle guttering out. Then she turns to the present moment with her beloved. The earth feels golden, April is vivid and memorable, and they are absorbed in each other. Suddenly the feeling reverses: she glimpses the years sliding by and sees age waiting behind the fresh, rosy trees. That flash of future knowledge makes her cling harder to love. She asks her beloved to snatch her close and help her forget. The mood is tender, bright, and faintly sorrowful—a young speaker enjoying spring and affection while already sensing how quickly both will fade.
Prescience — Summary
Old women think of old roofs, and the things That made these comely in the ancient sun ; Old men think of their wars, their wayfarings done. Both of first love; of fair, dispersed springs. Old women and old men — God rest them all! — To hear the dark, slow waters lap about; To see their last of candle spluttering out; — It is too poor an ending to befall. But ours this golden earth from sky to sky ; And all my thoughts of you, and yours of me; About us memorable April set. — Sudden I feel the fleet years tumbling by; Age stares at me behind each rosy tree! — Oh, snatch me to your heart ! I would forget.